Sink Supported Cutlery Cup

ABSTRACT

A sink drain utensil catch is provided that is adapted to organize utensil items while cleaning dishes. The device comprises an elongated body structure and an upper flange portion. The body structure comprises a sidewall having a substantially cylindrical profile and a closed lower end. Perforations through the sidewall allow for water to drain therethrough, while the interior is open to accept utensil items therein in a substantially upright manner. The upper flange portion comprises a surface that flares outward and includes an upper rim. The flange portion bears against the sink drain periphery to support the assembly in the sink drain, while one or more notches in the upper rim allow water to bypass the assembly and enter into the sink drain interior when the assembly is deployed. Overall, the device supports utensil items to avoid cuts and jabs from pointed utensil items loosely positioned in the sink water.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/954,047 filed on Mar. 17, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sink drain covers and devices that prevent utensils and debris from entering a sink drain interior. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cup-shaped device that prevents utensils from falling into a garbage disposal while cleaning dishes in a sink, wherein the device is supported by the sink drain and allows water to flow readily therethrough while deployed.

Many individuals wash kitchen utensils and dinnerware by hand in a kitchen sink as opposed to in a dishwasher appliance. The items to be cleaned are generally soaked and individually cleaned by hand using soap, water, and a handheld cleaning appliance. While, this procedure is well known and widely practiced in the art, there is exist drawbacks to hand cleaning kitchen utensils in this manner. One of these drawbacks it that often times the loose utensil items drop into the sink drain interior while cleaning if a drain stopper is not deployed. This can lead to interferences with a garbage disposal unit, clogging of the drain and lost utensil items if the item is not noticed missing or readily retrievable.

A second common drawback to cleaning utensil items by hand is that utensils placed in the sink and submerged within the sink water tend to scatter about therein and are thereafter not readily retrievable without first draining the sink or fishing for the utensils. Fishing for utensils by hand is not generally advisable as it can lead to pricks and cuts from the utensil items. However the utensil items are generally placed into the water to soak and are individually cleaned while the water is still in the sink. This forces the user to fish for the utensil items or first drain the sink and use more soap to clean the utensil items.

The present invention contemplates a sink drain device that is adapted to prevent utensil items from entering into the sink drain itself, and further to provide a device that can be used to organize utensil items in the sink. The device comprises a cylindrical assembly that is positioned in the sink drain interior and supports utensil items in a substantially upright configuration therein, preventing them from falling into the sink and organizing the items for subsequent retrieval.

A final drawback of the hand washing utensils that is addressed by the present invention is organizing utensil items that are positioned in the sink basin for subsequent removal, wherein the items can be collectively removed from the sink and placed onto a drying rack after cleaning. This eliminates the need for a user to individually move each utensil item from the sink interior to the drying rack, which reduces the time requirements of the activity. The present invention provides an organizational tool that prevents utensil items from entering the drain interior while allowing water to pass therethrough, while at the same time providing a means to organize cleaned utensils in the sink after being individually cleaned, whereby the collective set of utensils can be moved in one operation to the drying rack instead of one-by-one.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to sink drain covers and strainer devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to devices that separate solid debris from liquid in a sink drain. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,123 to Svensson, which discloses a decorative sink flange that is adapted to be used in conjunction with an existing sink drain. The device comprises a vertical cylindrical body with an upper flange and an open bottom. An annular lip extends radially from the cylindrical body, while the bottom side of the flange comprises a polymer coating to seal the device to the sink and to prevent water bypass. The Svensson device is one that provides a decorative sink flange that allows a user to customize the appearance of the flange to match or complement a sink or kitchen decor. The Svensson device, however, fails to provide a means to collect utensils within the sink interior and prevent the same from falling thereinto while washing dishes. While the Svensson device is related to sink drains, it fails to anticipate the features and primary function of the present invention.

Another device is U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,499 to Chong, which discloses a drain strainer that comprises a strainer portion that filters sink water and catches debris, and a ring portion having a seal release means that facilitates release of the ring portion from the sink drain after its use. The sink release means comprises a press-release mechanism, whereby the ring portion can transition from a convex to a concave shape to facilitate removal of the device from the sink drain. When in a convex shape, the ring portion creates a seal, whereafter the ring portion can be flipped into a concave shape to release the ring portion and the device. The Chong device provides a unique means of securing a drain strainer to a sink drain, but fails to contemplate a body member adapted to support utensils substantially within the sink drain interior. The present invention comprises an elongated and cylindrical body portion that supports upstanding utensil items, while its upper flange is flared to rest against the sink drain upper while allowing water to pass therethrough and through the body portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,082 to Ridgeway discloses a strainer for a pop-up drain plug comprising a plug having a cap and a base that is adapted to be movable by a sink drain actuator. The base extends through an open strainer cup having an apertured bottom, whereby the strainer cup catches debris entering the drain interior. In this way, debris can be collected on the strainer cup and removed when the assembly is withdrawn from the sink drain. The Ridgeway device is one that integrates a strainer with a pop-up drain plug. While providing a novel combination device, the purpose of the Ridgeway device diverges from that of the present invention. The present invention contemplates an insert that is placed within an open sink drain and does not stop the flow of water thereinto. An elongated cylinder forming a cup-shape is used to support upstanding utensil items and prevent large debris from passing into the drain. The present invention does not contemplate a stopper or drain plug element.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,038,852 to Pasman discloses a removable sink strainer that comprises an elongated cylindrical vessel in combination with a tubular member. The strainer includes perforations along its sidewall and has a closed bottom that connects to a tapered annular portion forming a valve between the strainer and the tubular member. The valve acts to close the outlet of the strainer when the strainer is lowered into the tubular, whereby preventing water from entering the sink drain interior. The upper edges of both the tubular member and the strainer comprise a flange, while the strainer further includes a pivotable handle portion with an extension portion extending outwards from the sidewall of the strainer so as to act as a lever against the tubular member when lifting the strainer out of the tubular member. While the Pasman device discloses a strainer device that is a cylindrical, perforated body, the Pasman device is adapted to work in conjunction with a tubular body that is positioned within the sink drain interior before the strainer. The present invention provides a structure that is adapted to be supported by a sink drain itself, whereby the upper flange of the device supports the cylindrical body thereof within the sink drain interior to catch utensils and other large debris. No valve or means of stopping water flow are contemplated, but on the contrary water flow through the device is desired at all times and facilitated by the apertured cylindrical sidewalls and notches in the upper flange of the device.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 1,160,869 to Fisher discloses a sink strainer is provided that comprises a bowl shape, perforated sidewalls, an upper lip, and a lower gutter surface. The gutter is adapted to catch matter or drippings from escaping the strainer bowl and clogging a sink drain thereafter. The gutter further prevents dents and damage to the lower surface of the strainer bowl. While the Fisher device provides a device that strains water from other items, its shape and its purpose diverge significantly from that of the present invention. It is presented here as an exemplary example of strainer devices in the art, whereby an apertured surface is used to separate liquid from solid matter. The present invention, by contrast comprises a utensil catch adapted to be placed within a sink drain interior. The structure of the present invention is one that allows its apertured body structure to be positioned within the sink drain interior while the flanged upper portions supports the assembly therein from the sink drain opening.

The present invention is designed as a utensil catch that supports upright utensil items in a sink drain interior while a user is hand washing dishes in a sink. The device allows a user to organize utensil items in one location and prevent scattered utensil items in the sink from creating a jabbing or cutting risk. The device supports the upright utensils for subsequent cleaning while allowing water to pass through the device, allowing deployment of the device without hindering the operation of the sink. Overall, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing sink drain utensil catch devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sink drain devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new sink drain device that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when supporting utensil items therein and organizing utensil items for cleaning while hand washing dishes.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved sink drain utensil catch device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sink drain utensil catch device that nests into a standard sized sink drain interior and can be supported by its flared upper portion, which rests against the sink drain peripheral surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sink drain utensil catch device that allows water to pass through its body structure and through its flared upper portion such that sink water can drain therethrough while the device is deployed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sink drain utensil catch device that comprises a substantially cylindrical body structure and a flared upper portion, whereby utensils are supported in an upright state within the interior of the device while washing dishes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sink drain utensil catch device that is preferably made of a plastic or metallic material, wherein the exact design and material can be chosen from one of several known materials such that the device may be readily fabricated and permit relative economy that is commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the sink drain utensil catch of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an overhead view of the sink drain utensil catch of the present invention, wherein its closed lower surface is shown.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section view of the sink drain utensil catch in a working state, supported within a sink drain interior and above a garbage disposal unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the sink drain utensil catch. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for supporting utensils in an upright fashion and in a sink drain interior while hand washing dishes in a sink. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the sink drain utensil catch of the present invention. The device comprises a lower body structure 20 and an upper flange portion 10. The lower body structure 10 is adapted to support utensil items therein in a largely upright configuration within the interior of the sink drain. The body 20 is sized such that it can be positioned within a sink drain interior and not clash therewith. Its structure comprises a rounded sidewall 21 forming a substantially cylindrical profile and a closed lower surface 22. The diameter of the body 10 is such that it can be positioned within a sink drain interior and fit within the diameter of most common sink drains in commercial and residential use. Therefore, the body structure has a diameter less than a standard sink drain opening, and further a height less than a standard sink drain interior height such that the body structure can be positioned comfortably within a sink drain interior without interference.

The upper flange portion 10 extends upward and away from the body structure 20 and is adapted to support the body within the sink from the sink drain upper peripheral edge. The flange portion 10 comprises a flared surface 12 that extends outward from the body sidewall 21 and terminates at an outer lip 11. The outer surface 13 of the flange portion 10 bears against the sink drain upper periphery such that the body structure is suspended within the sink drain. The upper flange 10 is adapted to overlap the sink drain periphery and be structured such that it can support without deforming or failing under the weight of the body structure 20, utensils placed therein, and water flowing through the device.

Between the upper flange portion 10 and the body structure 20 is a neck portion 15 that serves as a transition between the substantially uniform cylindrical profile of the sidewall 21 to the flaring surface of the upper flange. The neck portion 15 may include an inwardly curving surface (as shown in FIG. 1) or the neck portion 15 may include a direct transition from the sidewall 21 to the flared flange portion 10. An inwardly curving neck portion 15 strengthens this region such that the flange 10 will not readily deform or fail when supporting the weight of its body structure or contents therein while deployed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown two water bypass means disposed on the assembly that allow water from the sink to pass through or bypass the assembly when deployed. The first of these is at least one notch 14 formed along the outer lip 11 of the flange. The notch 14 comprise a V-shaped cut-out that allows water to bypass the flange and flow into the sink drain directly and without first entering into the body structure 20. The second water bypass means is a plurality of apertures 23 disposed within the sidewall 21 of the body structure 20. The apertures 23 comprise holes that allow water to pass from the interior of the device and into the sink drain, thus preventing water backup in the sink interior. The goal of both water bypass means is to allow water to pass into the sink drain as it would normally without the present invention in place. It is contemplated that one or several of the notched cut-outs 14 may be disposed on along the outer lip 11, while the arrangement of the apertures 23 in the sidewall 21 may take on different patterns and formations, depending upon the design of the device when manufactured.

Turning to FIG. 2, the lower surface 22 of the body structure is shown. The lower surface 22 is a closed end of the body structure that encloses the interior thereof. This surface 22 is used to support utensil items such that they bear against the lower surface 22 and against the sidewall such that they are substantially upright within the interior of the device. This allows a user to organize the loose utensil items in the interior of the device without scattering the same within the water in the sink. The user can then retrieve the upright utensil items as desired for subsequent cleaning thereof.

Referring finally to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross section view of the present invention in a working state, wherein the device is deployed within a sink drain 50. As shown, the upper flange portion 10 of the device extends above and over the sink drain periphery such that its upper lip 11 is positioned within the sink and supports the body structure of the device within the sink drain interior 51. The body cylindrical structure is positioned within the sink drain interior 51 and above any garbage disposal 60 that may be positioned therein. In operation, the device supports utensils in an upright condition while allowing water to pass therethrough, wherein the apertures 23 of the device sidewall 21 and one or more notches in the upper flange allow water to pass into the sink drain interior 51.

Many utensils and small objects can become lost down a sink drain which can cause potential damage to a drain or garbage disposal when a proper barrier is not in place. Finding a means to soak dirty and greasy cooking and dining utensils can be difficult. Additionally, transporting utensils from the sink to a dishwasher can be a tedious process, forcing the user to go back and forth between the two units multiple times. The present invention is disclosed as a means for supporting and rinsing utensils in a sink drain while keeping the sink organized, thereby eliminating the occurrence of utensils and other unwanted items falling into the drain or garbage disposal or causing a poking risk to the user while washing dishes. The device can reduce water usage by soaking utensils and making difficult messes easy to remove from the surface of the utensils. Further, the device allows for sink drainage while still being able to soak dirty utensils in a sink, and offers a convenient means of transporting all silverware from a sink to a dishwasher.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A sink drain utensil catch, comprising: a body structure comprising a rounded sidewall forming a substantially cylindrical profile; said body structure having an open interior and a closed lower surface; said sidewall having a plurality of apertures therethrough; said body structure having a diameter adapted to be less than a standard sink drain opening and a height less than a standard sink drain interior height; an upper flange portion; a neck portion between said upper flange portion and said body structure; said upper flange portion comprising a flared surface extending outward from said sidewall and terminating at an outer lip; said outer lip diameter adapted to be greater than a standard sink drain opening.
 2. The sink drain utensil catch of claim 1, further comprising: one or more notches in said outer lip that are adapted to allow water to bypass said upper flange portion and enter a sink drain directly.
 3. The sink drain utensil catch of claim 1, wherein said body structure, said neck portion and said upper flange portion are a single molded part.
 4. The sink drain utensil catch of claim 1, wherein said neck portion comprises an inwardly curving surface between said sidewall and said upper flange portion. 